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Crime Stoppers

    Fraud & Scams

    Top 5 Tech Scam Trends We’re Seeing 

    1. Pop-Up Tech Support Alerts – Fake Microsoft or antivirus warnings lock your screen and urge you to call a number. Scammers then demand payment or remote access to “fix” the problem.
    2. Government & Grandparent Impersonation Calls – Scammers pose as IRS, Social Security, police, or a grandchild/relative in trouble. Victims are told there’s a warrant or emergency requiring immediate payment to clear charges or secure release.
    3. Crypto ATM & Payment Instructions – Victims are directed to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM or app using a QR code provided by the scammer. Once sent, funds are nearly impossible to recover.
    4. Romance & Money Mule Schemes – Online “partners” pressure victims to send money for investments or emergencies. In some cases, victims are convinced to move stolen money through their accounts (“money mules”), putting them at risk of criminal liability.
    5. Text Message & Delivery Scams – Fake texts claim a package is delayed, a bank account is locked, or a prize is waiting. Clicking the link installs malware or leads to fraudulent payment requests.

    **Crypto Scams are Time-Sensitive: If you sent cryptocurrency through an exchange (Coinbase etc.) or Crypto ATM, call 401-826-1100 immediately or come to the Coventry Police Department in person at 60 Wood St., Coventry, RI. Quick reporting of wallet addresses, transaction IDs, and exchange information is critical.

    Scammers rely on urgency, fear, or love to pressure victims. They may demand payment in gold bars, cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers, or by asking you to move money for them. These are all clear signs of a scam, no matter what reason they give.

    Before you act:  Pause. Reflect. Talk to Someone You Trust.
    Scammers want you to feel rushed, scared, or pressured. Taking a moment to stop and talk with a family member, friend, or trusted advisor can prevent financial loss. No government agency or company will ever demand payment immediately by crypto, gift cards, or wire transfer.

    Did You Know?
    • Acting as a money mule can result in criminal charges, even if you did not realize you were helping criminals.
    • Moving money for someone else, even unknowingly, can put you at risk of financial loss or criminal charge.
    Additional reporting resources:

     

    In-Person SCAMS!!

    Several citizens of the Town of Coventry have been victimized by persons posing as utility workers or service persons. In one instance, men posing as tree clearing contractors talked their way into a residence and stole a sum of money from the elderly occupants. DO NOT allow strangers into your home. Question persons from utilities who show up at your door without being called. If there are any questions at all, call the utility company or the police.

    Don’t be a victim!!


    Burglary Prevention Tips

    1. Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. Keep shrubs and trees near the house trimmed. Shrubbery and thick foliage provides concealment for burglars.
    2. Keep doors and windows securely locked. You should have a dead bolt lock with a minimum 1″ throw with a strike plate with 3″ screws. The lock is only as good as the supporting door and jamb. If your door has glass, consider installing a dead bolt that requires a key on both sides. If you use this type of lock, you MUST have a key nearby, out of the reach of burglars, in the event you need to quickly exit your residence in case of fire, etc.
    3. Secure sliding glass doors. Install vertical bolts to prevent the door from being taken off the track. Place a metal rod in the track.
    4. This may seem obvious, but don’t leave a vehicle parked outside with an electric garage door remote inside.
    5. Make your house look as though someone may be home. Leaving on a radio and placing lights on timers may deter an “opportunistic” burglar. If you go on vacation, have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers. It may not be wise to cancel home deliveries if someone is available to pick them up for you. Do not leave a message on your answering machine advertising that you are on vacation.
    6. Organize a formal, or informal community watch program with your neighbors. Report ANY suspicious activity to your police department no matter how trivial it may seem. You do not have to give your name.
    7. If possible, invest in a quality alarm system installed by a reputable, licensed installer. Instruct members of your household in the operation of the system, in order to prevent false alarms. Be sure to check with your local officials for any regulations concerning burglar alarms.